Hydatid Disease of The Brain Parenchyma: A Systematic Review
Introduction Isolated brain hydatid disease (BHD) is an extremely rare form of echinococcosis. A prompt and timely diagnosis is a crucial step in disease management. This study is a systematic review of studies on intra-parenchymal BHD. Methods Studies that had the following properties were included: 1) The…
2025 1,150 reads 2 citations
Review Articles
Hydatid Disease of The Brain Parenchyma: A Systematic Review
IntroductionIsolated brain hydatid disease (BHD) is an extremely rare form of echinococcosis. A prompt and timely diagnosis is a crucial step in disease management. This study is a systematic review of studies on intra-parenchymal BHD.
MethodsStudies that had the following properties were included: 1) The intra-parenchymal brain infection had been confirmed by diagnostic modalities, surgical findings, or histopathology. 2) The patient details were provided in the study. 3) The cystic lesion [s] were located intracranially.
ResultsAltogether, 112 studies with a sample size of 178 cases met the inclusion criteria. Males (60.1%) showed a higher prevalence of the disease than females (38.2%). Most of the cases (64%) were affected during the first and second decades of their lives. Left-side multi-lobe involvement was the most common type of involvement (28.1%), followed by right-side multi-lobe involvement (26.4%). Surgery was the primary treatment option (97.2%), with the Dowling technique or the modified Arana-Iniguez method as the preferred approach. The total recurrence and mortality rates were 7.3% and 3.4%, respectively.
ConclusionThe definitive treatment for BHD is surgery, with the aim of removing cysts intact or excising mass lesions completely. A history of cyst rupture during operation may increase the likelihood of recurrence, and an extensive follow-up is required.
Keywords Brain Hydatidosis Cystic Alveolar Hydatid cyst Intra-axial lesions All subjects
Barw Medical Journal. 2025;3(4):26–44